Proclamations and PresentationsPastor Robert Benardo of Milpitas Adventis Center delivered an invocation.

Fire Aid Program lead Matthew Keifert and Citizen Amateur Radio Group's Tim Howard were presented with the Emergency Services Recognition Award in support of September's National Preparedness proclamation.

Public HearingsApproved tentative map and conditional use permit for the 1,300 dwelling and 92,000 sq. ft. McCandless Mixed Use Project.

Reports of Mayor and CouncilFollowing withdrawal of the Milpitas Food Pantry's application to relocate to the Sal Cracolice building, Councilmember Gomez recommended five proposals: 1) The city retains ownership of the building for recreational services primarily for families from surrounding communities. 2) Direct staff to conduct outreach to identify community needs for Council's consideration and potential use of the facility. 3) Direct staff to report back on building improvement needs and financing plan, including the potential use of parking-impact fees collected from the Midtown area development. 4) Direct the City Manager to work with the Food Pantry to identify other feasible site alternatives. 5) Direct the City Manager to work with the Food Pantry to identify potential federal and/or state grant opportunities to assist the Food Pantry, and to identify opportunities for additional city grants to the organization.

Numerous residents near the Cracolice building publicly support the food pantry's benevolent nature. However, they maintain their opposition to the Food Pantry's relocation to their community because of potential increases in foot and large truck traffic, close proximity to a residential community and the possible increase in loitering, vandalism and crime. A 500-signature petition was presented to the City Clerk.

New BusinessApproved financial assistance in the amount of $2,500 for the Milpitas Library Essay Writing Contest and related budget form.

Approved fee waiver and in-kind donation of equipment and staffing for Milpitas Parks and Recreation Foundation's Third Annual "Festival of Trees" Gala Fundraiser at the City Hall Rotunda on December 9.

Bids and ContractsAuthorized the City Manager to execute a contract extension to September 30, 2010 with Empire Maintenance Services for the not-to-exceed amount of $13,433.80.Authorized the City Engineer to execute a contract change order with AME Contracting Co. and approved budget appropriation for the park renovation 2009 "Pathways" Project.

Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services to receive a Homeland Security Grant for Emergency Operation Center training.

Joseph Weinstein, Chair of the Milpitas Budget Task Force announced sponsorship of three public forums to solicit input from citizens and city employees to reduce the city's $14.2 billion budget deficit. Meetings are scheduled for September 16 at City Hall from 7 to 9 p.m.; September 18 at the Senior Center from 9 to 11 a.m.; and September 30 at City Hall from 7 to 9 p.m.. Suggestions for cost savigs may also be submitted to the Budget Task Force via the city's website (www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov).